Occupational & Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) provides therapy to students, ages 3-21, enrolled in the school district under the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142).  Specific activities for Occupational or Physical Therapy are designed and developed by an Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.) Team.

The district's Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapist provide therapeutic services (known as related services) to enable children with disabilities to participate in the regular school setting.  Services may be provided by the licensed OT or PT, or paraprofessionals supervised by the PT.

Occupational Therapy - Therapy or treatment provided to help a student's developmental or physical skills that will aid in daily living; it focuses on the use of hands and fingers, on coordination of movement, on self-help skills, such as dressing and eating, and sensory and perceptual-motor integration; it also includes the design and adaptation of materials, equipment, and environment.  OTs assist in the evaluation of fine motor skills in children with disabilities. They may also provide therapy and assistance in adapting the environment for persons with disabilities.

Physical Therapy - Therapy or treatment provided to help exercise specific parts of the body such as the legs, arms, hands or neck in an effort to strengthen, regain range of motion, or relearn movement to improve function.  Physical Therapists assist in the evaluation of gross motor skills in children with disabilities.  They may also provide therapy and assistance in adapting the environment for persons with disabilities.

OT Resources